‘We have articulated deep concerns about the proposed powers and duties of Monitor for some time,’ he said.

‘Nick Clegg is highlighting much of what we’ve said – a duty to promote competition would be destructive. We want Monitor to promote collaboration and integrated, comprehensive care across local areas.’

Dr Vautrey said the whole section of the Health Bill about redesigning Monitor could now be stripped out and replaced. The Bill will go through its third reading in the House of Commons sometime after the listening exercise comes to an end in the next fortnight.

Dr Vautrey said: ‘MPs have to have the chance to debate those changes prior to it going to the Lords.

‘We have many other concerns about the Bill. But I think we are clearly starting to win the argument.’